Santander University of Brighton Competitions and Grants

The Santander X University of Brighton Ideas Competition

Do you have an idea for a new product, service, digital tool or community project? 

Every year we run a startup ideas competition across the university, generously supported by Santander Universities, to uncover your talent! We ask you to send in your innovative ideas for a new product, service, digital tool or community project and compete for the chance to win prizes of between £250 and £1,000 plus sponsor goodie bags. 

Shortlisted entrants are invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges drawn from the local business community and an invited audience.

Whether you are a team or an individual, you receive expert pitching training in advance.

The 2024 competition, inspired by the university’s Global Challenges, is now closed. 

The Santander X University of Brighton Startup Fuel Grant programme 2024

Who can apply for a grant?

This programme is exclusively open to you as a student or graduate (from the Class of 2023 or more recently), who has started your own business, social enterprise, creative practice or freelance project, and who would benefit from receiving cash fuel of between £250 and £2,000 to  power it to develop to the next level.

The grant can be used to pay towards a range of things including: new product development, new technology or materials for the business,  web development, marketing investment, or intellectual property protection.

How do I apply for a Startup Fuel Grant?

The Santander X University of Brighton Startup Fuel Grant programme launches  on 15 April 2024. In the meantime, follow the beepurple team on Instagram to stay up-to-date with all our funding news and events. 

When it is time to apply, you will need to register and submit your grant application via the Santander X platform. 

Further details about the Santander X University of Brighton Startup Fuel Grant programme will be released via Instagram soon. To keep up-to-date with our funding news, follow us on Instagram.

As part of the application process, you will need to submit the following information:

• The name of your startup or freelance business, and the month and year you started up.
• Information on how the judges can find your website or socials (if available).
• A description of your startup or freelance business including information about your products or services, the purpose of your business and the problem you solve for your customers. Tell us who your customer is and how you reach them (or plan to reach them), and include any information on what makes your startup unique (500 words maximum).
• A copy of your Business Model Canvas or Business Clarity Canvas.
• Your goals for the next 6-12 months (2,000 characters maximum).
• An outline of how you will spend the Grant on your startup or freelance business and the impact this will have on you and your venture (2,000 characters maximum).

The closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 13 May 2024.

Please note that any intellectual property stemming from your entry will remain yours at all times.

Email beepurple@brighton.ac.uk if you have any questions.